The itel City 100 and itel A49 represent itel’s commitment to providing affordable smartphones. However, a significant gap exists between their internal specifications, particularly in processing power. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance versus basic functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the itel City 100 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc T7250 chipset delivers substantially faster performance than the A49’s SC9832E, making it better suited for multitasking, app usage, and even light gaming. While the A49 is cheaper, the performance trade-off is too significant for most.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 27 | 2022 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 27 | Available. Released 2022 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm (6.60 x 3.05 x 0.30 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 14, Pure 14.5 OS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Pure Titanium, Fairy Purple | Blue |
| Models | C671L | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
itel City 100
- Significantly faster processor (Unisoc T7250)
- More efficient 12nm process
- 18W fast charging with reverse wired charging
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not have a significantly better display
itel A49
- Lower price point
- Simple and easy to use
- Adequate for basic communication
- Potentially longer standby time (due to less demanding processor)
- Slow processor (Unisoc SC9832E)
- Inefficient 28nm process
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price points. However, detailed display specs like resolution and brightness are unavailable. The focus here isn't on display quality, but on the underlying performance that drives the UI displayed on them. The City 100’s faster processor will ensure smoother animations and quicker app loading times, enhancing the overall visual experience, even on a potentially similar panel.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed enough to draw meaningful comparisons beyond sensor count. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T7250 in the City 100 is likely more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing and slightly improved photo quality, even with similar sensors. However, don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel City 100’s Unisoc T7250, built on a 12nm process, boasts an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores clocked up to 1.8GHz. This is a substantial upgrade over the itel A49’s Unisoc SC9832E, a quad-core processor fabricated on a much older 28nm node. The 28nm process is less efficient, meaning the A49 will likely run warmer and consume more power for the same tasks. The T7250’s architecture allows for significantly faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities, making the City 100 far more responsive.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the City 100’s 18W charging support is a notable advantage over the A49, which likely has slower charging. The more efficient 12nm Unisoc T7250 will also contribute to better battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the A49. The City 100’s reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel City 100 if you need a smartphone capable of handling more than just basic calls and texts. It’s ideal for users who occasionally browse the web, use social media, or play casual games. Buy the itel A49 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only require a phone for essential communication – calls, texts, and perhaps a very limited number of apps. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a simple backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel City 100 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T7250 processor in the City 100 is more than capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly, even with multiple apps open simultaneously. The A49’s processor may struggle with these apps, especially when multitasking.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging feature on the itel City 100 useful for everyday use?
The reverse wired charging feature is a convenient addition, allowing you to charge accessories like wireless earbuds or another phone using the City 100 as a power bank. While not a primary feature, it adds versatility and can be helpful in emergency situations.
❓ How much of a difference will the 28nm vs 12nm process make in real-world battery life?
The 12nm process used in the City 100’s chipset is significantly more power-efficient than the 28nm process in the A49. This means the City 100 will consume less power for the same tasks, resulting in longer battery life, even if both phones have similar battery capacities.
